how to enter water with camera/strobe

[mrs b]

I have always entered from liveaboard using a giant stride from the back but have been advised that when enering this way with camera set up that there is a risk of a seal leaking. while on paper asking someone to hand it down to you after you get in the water looks good I cant see how practicable it actually is. How do most of you enter in these circumstances?

[KenByrne]

I usually get someone to had the camera down to me. If that's not possible I put plenty of air in my jacket and hold the camera as high above my head as I can.

[simonmort]

Best way to look after the camera is have it passed to you. you wouldnt want to risk the camera getting flooded on the first day.

Couple of other things to watch out for, bucket and rinse bins, as this is an area you could end up leaving the camera in, and another camera or item gets dropped in.

Air conditioning, camera can mist up with change from cold to and then back hot to cold again in temperature.

Also if you suffer with misting underwater, from the flash heating up the air in side the housing, couple of things to try. more silica sachets(or moisture munchers) also small piece of tin foil works as well, and even some anti fog liquid you use on the mask can help.

I know the above bits are not to do with entering the water ,but will help on the liverboards.

simon.

[Cerianthus]

no experience with liveaboards, but from a RIB, i hold the camera (dslr in ikelite housing + strobes) and roll out. Lot of tiny bubbles covering the camera afterwards, but these go away by waving your hand at them..I have to admit it was a bit scary at first, but it works...

the sea hunters (on NG tv) seem to enjoy jumping in wht camera above their heads as well....

[Mark]

I've jumped, rolled & done most entries you can think of off a boat, all with my camera without any problems. Ikelite housing with twin strobes. I've even jumped with both Stills and Video cameras, one in each hand with no problems.

Perhaps I'm just lucky.

[mrs b]

thanks everyone for the tips and advice. will have a look to see what set up is when I am there and see what's what!